News, Reviews & Series
Carowinds In-Depth Tour | New Aeronautica Landing, 50th Anniversary Celebration & Epic Coasters
Carowinds theme park, which originally opened in 1973, is a unique attraction located on the border of North and South Carolina. The name Carowinds is in reference to the winds that blow across the two states. The park's original theme was centered around the history and culture of the Carolinas. Today, Carowinds is home to several high-thrill and record-breaking attractions, such as Intimidator and Fury 325. For its 50th anniversary, Carowinds debuted the Aeronautica landing area with a refreshed theme and several new attractions.
SkyLand Ranch's Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster POV | The Southeast's Longest Mountain Coaster
The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster at SkyLand Ranch opened near the end of 2022 and features a track length of 6,600 feet, making it the longest attraction of its kind in the southeast. The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster gives riders scenic views of the Smoky Mountains during the day and views of the illuminated Sevierville, TN surroundings at night.
Goats on the Roof's Goat Coaster POV | Craziest Mountain Coaster Experience in Pigeon Forge, TN
The Goat Coaster at Goats on the Roof opened in 2015, making it one of the original mountain coasters of the area. The attraction features a track length 3,061 feet and takes riders up the side of the Smoky Mountains. Reaching a top speed of nearly 30 miles per hour, the Goat Coaster can be controlled via manual brakes or riders can opt to travel as fast as possible down the mountain. The bonus? Visitors can also enjoy actual goats on the roof!
Hawaiian Falls Waco In-Depth Tour | Named One of the Best Water Parks in the United States
Hawaiian Falls Waco is a local water park in Waco, Texas that features a dozen water slides, an 800-foot lazy river, central Texas' first large-scale wave pool and several other family-friendly attractions. In 2023, Hawaiian Falls Waco was named one of the best water parks in the United States by The Edvocate.
In-Depth Tour of Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park | Award-Winning Park in Pigeon Forge, TN
Originally opened in 2001, Dollywood's Splash Country is a 35-acre water park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that features 16 attractions. These include the high-thrill Fire Tower Falls body slides, the TailSpin Racer racing slides and the award-winning RiverRush water coaster. Dollywood's Splash Country was also recognized as the Best New Water Park in America, along with the most Must-See Water Park by IAAPA.
Rowdy Bear's Ski Lift Shootout Coaster POV | America's First Alpine Flyer with Target Shooting
Opened in 2019, Rowdy Bear's Ski Lift Shootout Coaster is one of Pigeon Forge's most unique ride experiences. Suspended below a track, riders are able to enhance their ride experience by aiming and shooting at various targets throughout the layout. Standing up to 60 feet tall with a track length of 1,300 feet, the Ski Lift Shootout Coaster is also America's first-ever alpine flyer. The attraction is one of many that can be enjoyed at Rowdy Bear Mountain in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Rowdy Bear's Avalanche Snow Coaster POV | World's First & America's Only Powered Alpine Coaster
Opened as the Power Coaster in 2021, the Avalanche Snow Coaster is the world's first and America's only powered alpine coaster (as of the release of this video). Riders board their own powered vehicle and trek along 2,200 feet of track. The unique attraction also allows for side-by-side seating with the main passenger able to control the speed of their vehicle throughout the ride experience. Avalanche Snow Coaster is one of multiple attractions found at Rowdy Bear Mountain in Pigeon Forge, TN.
In-Depth Tour of Dollywood Theme Park | Exploring New Big Bear Mountain & Other Iconic Attractions
Dollywood Theme Park first opened in 1961, focusing mostly on a railroad theme. In 1976, the Herschend family purchased the park and it would eventually transform into Silver Dollar City. Fast forward to 1986 and Silver Dollar City would become Dollywood, with part of its ownership being purchased by Dolly Parton. Today, Dollywood has nine roller coasters, including the iconic Lightning Rod and Tennessee Tornado. On top of that, the park features great theming, festivals, award-winning entertainment and the all-new Big Bear Mountain coaster and Wildwood Grove area.
In-Depth Look: Anakeesa Adventure Park & Amazing Astra Lumina Night Walk | Gatlinburg, TN
Anakeesta Adventure Park, located in Gatlinburg, TN, is a prime destination for amazing views of the mountain landscape and surrounding areas. Anakeesta features several attractions, including ziplines, a mountain coaster, observation tower and more. Join us for a look at the park's experimental sensory garden walk, Vista Gardens, along with the Treetop Skywalk, which features over 800 feet of hanging bridges. One of Anakeesta's prime attractions, Astra Lumina, is also now open. Astra Lumina features eight extraordinary sections that feature cutting-edge multimedia, audio and lighting effects.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster POV | Voted Best & Most Thrilling Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, TN
Originally opened as the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster in 2014, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a high-thrill attraction that features 2,500 feet of track. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster has won a number of local awards, including Best Mountain Coaster of 2021 by Best of Pigeon Forge, Top Mountain Coaster by Visit My Smokies and Most Thrilling Mountain Coaster by the Stony Brook Cabins blog.
Ripley's Mountain Coaster POV | Amazing Views of the Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, TN)
First introduced in 2017 as the Rowdy Bear Coaster, the high-thrill Ripley's Mountain Coaster is located in Gatlinburg, TN. This attraction reaches speeds of up to 35 miles per hour while giving a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Frisco City Council Approves Universal Theme Park
Frisco City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a zoning proposal that would make way for a Universal theme park. The proposed park has been the subject of several public meetings and even some pushback from concerned residents including folks who live just down the street from the area.
North America’s Second Peppa Pig Theme Park to Open in North Texas in 2024
Starting in 2024, families will be able to enter the playful world of Peppa Pig for an unforgettable day of adventure at North America's second Peppa Pig Theme Park set to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Designed to be the ultimate theme park experience for little ones, this all-new standalone theme park located in North Richland Hills will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, themed playscapes and shows, all based on instantly recognizable locations from the globally popular brand.
Universal Parks & Resorts Plans to Bring New Concept for Families with Young Children to Frisco, Texas
Universal Parks & Resorts announces a one-of-a-kind theme park, unlike any other in the world, specifically designed to inspire fun for families with young children. The new park concept, set in a lush green landscape and featuring immersive themed lands, celebrates Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and innovation and brings to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow even the youngest theme park goers.
North Texas' Newest Roller Coaster, Prairie Screamer, Now Open at Traders Village
Originally opened in 1973, Traders Village in Grand Prairie, Texas is home to Prairie Playland. This small amusement park is home to over a dozen rides and attractions, including the new Prairie Screamer roller coaster. Standing 90 feet tall, Prairie Screamer reaches speeds of 50 miles per hour with an 80-foot first drop.
ZDT's Amusement Park | In-Depth Tour & Exclusive Details on Future Planned Seasonal Events
ZDT's Amusement Park, a great family-owned park, is located in Seguin, TX. Opened in 2007, ZDT's is currently home to 13 rides and attractions, including the iconic Switchback shuttle coaster, water slides and extensive go-cart track. Join us for an in-depth winter tour of the park, including details about planned seasonal events set to begin in fall of 2023!
Mako Back Row POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Riding One of Orlando's Fastest Roller Coasters
Join us for a back row ride on Mako, SeaWorld Orlando's B&M Hyper Coaster. Mako opened on June 10, 2016 and features a height of 200 feet with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. With 4,760 feet of track, Mako is one of Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest roller coasters.
Ice Breaker POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Orlando's Newest Multi-Launch Roller Coaster
Ice Breaker opened at SeaWorld Orlando on February 18, 2022. This Premier Rides launched steel coaster features a height of 93 feet and top speed of 52 miles per hour. The attraction also launches riders forward and backwards multiple times.
Mako Front Row POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Riding a 200' Tall Hyper Coaster
Join us for a front row ride on Mako, SeaWorld Orlando's B&M Hyper Coaster. Mako opened on June 10, 2016 and features a height of 200 feet with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. With 4,760 feet of track, Mako is one of Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest roller coasters.
Kraken POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Floorless Coaster with Seven Inversions
Kraken is SeaWorld Orlando's intense floorless steel coaster. First opened on June 1, 2000, this attraction features a height of 153 feet tall and a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Kraken also features 7 intense inversions, including two vertical loops, a dive loop and a spiraling camelback.